top fly fishing northern california

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FishGPT · Accepted Answer

Top fly fishing in Northern California? Here’s a practical, field-tested guide to dialing in more trout on the fly this mid-fall season. 🐟🎣

- **Best spots to target this season**
  - **Trinity River (Upper Trinity, Lewiston area)** — iconic for fall trout and early steelhead runs. Look for seams along riffles and slower banks; hatches can light up when temps drop. 
  - **Lower Sacramento River near Red Bluff/Anderson** — steady fall trout fishing, with Baetis and PMD hatches. Dry fly work shines in the nicer afternoons; nymphing can pay off in cooler mornings.
  - **McCloud River** — classic spring-creek style water; fall can still fish well with small dries and nymphs. Accessible sections + ample opportunities for native rainbows.
  - **American River (Sacramento area)** — tailwater action that remains productive as temps fall. Midges and Baetis nymphs are reliable, and you can swing a streamer for bigger specimens.
  - **Feather River (Oroville area)** — reliable water, with Baetis, PMD, and late caddis activity. Good bet on overcast days and steadier flows.
  - **Russian River (coastal North Bay)** — productive for fall rainbows with dries and nymphs; a great option when you want a shorter drive from the Bay Area.

- **Techniques & flies that work now**
  - Go-to setup: 4-5 wt for smaller rivers/streams, 5-6 wt for larger rivers and tailwaters. Use a light rig (5x-7x tippet) for wary fall trout.
  - Dry/dropper method: a small dry (size 18-20 Baetis or PMD) with a nymph dropper (Pheasant Tail, Hare’s Ear, Prince Nymph) covers most fall hatches.
  - Nymphing basics: slow, drag-free presentations; use jig-style nymphs when water is a touch murky. 
  - Flies to have in your box: *Baetis/PMD nymphs* (Pheasant Tail, Hare’s Ear, Prince Nymph), *Midges* (RS2, midge patterns), *Pheasant Tail* and *Hare’s Ear* for general subsurface work, and *Woolly Bugger* or small streamers for brown trout or bigger holds.
  - Dry patterns: size 18-20 Baetis, size 14-16 PMD; Adams can cover early fall hatches in some rivers.

- **Weather & fall fishing reality (mid fall)**
  - Mornings can be chilly (40s–50s F) with days warming into the 60s–70s F. Water is often clear, so stealth and shorter casts help. Expect some variable flows as fall rains start; layer up, wear breathable waders, and scout water clarity before you wade in.

- **Resources to boost your game**
  - YouTube videos that focus on practical casting and river presentation: [Fly Casting](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QsQs7aqZnQE) and [Fly Fishing The Golden Trout Wilderness](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GvnjaW7iXrk) to see classic techniques in action. [Rainbow Falls Mountain Trout: Member Spotlight - David "DC" Caraghar](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c2tLJ9DuuUg) and [Another World! Leavitt Lake](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PsIY5sFYNVI) offer scenic proof that big, thoughtful casts pay off when the trout are wary.
  - Gear ideas (Amazon): [California Fly Fishing Assortment](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BZN8PXPB?tag=tacklenet-20&linkCode=osi&th=1&psc=1), [RoxStar Dry Fly Hatch Pack](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CH1L6P6F?tag=tacklenet-20&linkCode=osi&th=1&psc=1), [BASSDASH Fly Fishing Kit](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07CMY48MH?tag=tacklenet-20&linkCode=osi&th=1&psc=1), [TRUSCEND Easy Catch Swimmax](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07GP1DL4K?tag=tacklenet-20&linkCode=osi&th=1&psc=1).

- **Pro-tip**: fall river fish can be line-conscious; keep a low profile, and be mindful of water temps and hatch timing to time your drift with the insects. If you can, fish with a local guide or a buddy who knows the specific stretch you’re on—local knowledge pays off fast.

What a fantastic season for chasing trout on the fly. Tight lines, patient casts, and keep the coffee warm on crunchy mornings. You’ve got this—go out and fish hard! 🎣👏

🎣 Northern California, United States

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在死水的正方形鱼坑中，在冬天-5 ~ 5度如何做掉鳟鱼，使用flyfishing 保证增加鱼获

🎣 Northern California, United States

Trout Questions

More Questions

What is the best 3700 tackle bag for a boat?

Where should I fish in Hong Kong for the winter

What is the best way to catch fish with a white spook?

What is the best lures to use for bass in murky and partially clear water in winter/fall

What should a bass angler know about catching 鲈鱼 (bass) in late summer?

What are the best fishing spots around Spencer, Hawkesbury River for bream?

When should I use a worm versus a creature bait in weeds during post spawn on a Texas rig? How do I work each bait differently?

What are the best PowerBait colors for trout?

🎣 Northern California, United States

Trout Questions

Where to go spey fishing in Hong Kong?

What size jighead for 2.5 inch soft plastic on mitchell River?

Where to fly fish now in New Mexico

在死水的正方形鱼坑中，在冬天-5 ~ 5度 如何做掉鳟鱼，使用flyfishing 保证增加鱼获

What is the best 3700 tackle bag for a boat?

Where should I fish in Hong Kong for the winter

What is the best way to catch fish with a white spook?

What is the best lures to use for bass in murky and partially clear water in winter/fall

What should a bass angler know about catching 鲈鱼 (bass) in late summer?

What are the best fishing spots around Spencer, Hawkesbury River for bream?

When should I use a worm versus a creature bait in weeds during post spawn on a Texas rig? How do I work each bait differently?

What are the best PowerBait colors for trout?

Where to go spey fishing in Hong Kong?

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在死水的正方形鱼坑中，在冬天-5 ~ 5度 如何做掉鳟鱼，使用flyfishing 保证增加鱼获

在死水的正方形鱼坑中，在冬天-5 ~ 5度如何做掉鳟鱼，使用flyfishing 保证增加鱼获

在死水的正方形鱼坑中，在冬天-5 ~ 5度如何做掉鳟鱼，使用flyfishing 保证增加鱼获